Freemelt granted patents for powder removal method in the US and Europe
Freemelt, Mölndal, Sweden, has been granted patents in the US and Europe relating to a method of removing powder from additively manufactured parts, which it is said will enable users to produce more complex parts.
In Freemelt’s Additive Manufacturing machines, the build process takes place at elevated temperature to increase productivity and improve material properties. This means that powder grains in areas inside the manufactured part are sometimes stuck after manufacturing. The patents provide protection regarding a method of removing the powder stuck in, for example, cooling channels and other confined spaces.
“This innovation increases the opportunities to use 3D printing technology in more application areas and can increase the competitiveness of our customers,” stated Ulric Ljungblad, co-founder and CEO of Freemelt. “Examples of this are heat exchangers that often have a lot of cavities that are difficult to access.”
The patents are granted in the US and Europe and are validated in Sweden, Germany, and the UK. Protection for this extends until March 26, 2039, in all jurisdictions.
“Frost shattering is a force of nature that can grind down mountains, here we use the same simple principle to enable the cleaning of powders from complex details,” added Robin Stephansen co-founder of Freemelt and inventor of this patent.
The patents can be viewed here:
United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): Freezing method for cleaning an additive manufacturing part
European Patent Office (EPO): Freezing method for cleaning an additive manufacturing part
